Granny au pairs - any experiences of these?

[Mendi]

Having read about the 'granny au pair' concept, I've been looking on the website. It seems like a great idea - you get someone who's actually run a home rather than a kid, and hopefully therefore has more initiative for what to do. On the other hand, I imagine a lady in her 50s or 60s is going to expect more than an AP pocket money of £80 a week?

Also I wonder what the dynamics of telling an older person what you'd like them to do with your children could be difficult, depending on the person.

Just interested really if anyone has any experience. I've already signed up to AP World so want to know if it's worth spending another EUR 30 for the Granny AP site or not...

It sounds a great idea to me, sorry I don't have experience (and for that matter am not a granny) but wonder if you could post on Gransnet see what they think?

I think my only concern would be if they hadn't had much recent contact with young children & have forgotten how hands on it can be and therefore how exhausting. I know both my parents and PILs are wiped out after a few days with us and that's despite us being responsible for the early morning shifts, all meals & boisterous play.

I think it will be a difficult dynamic. A motivated 50+ would find today's parenting methods somewhat precious and I would find it awkward to give her instructions. I think you have to decide between whether you want a housekeeper or you want childcare. A mature lady would work better for the former and a aupair for the latter. To combine both is asking for a parent or grandparent!

I signed up for Granny Aupair about a month ago. It has got a lot more pricy - it's now about £120 for three months membership. Unfortunately it is a complete waste of money. There aren't enough grannies on the site, and most of them don't speak great English. I didn't get replies from most of the ones I contacted - and nearly all those that did respond said they were unavailable or couldn't speak enough English to communicate.

It sounds like a great idea in theory but in practice, it isn't worth the money.